Bilateral catarrhal otitis media

Posted on by admin

How to quickly cure catarrhal otitis media

Causes

Most often, catarrhal otitis occurs in childhood due to the anatomical features of the incompletely formed auditory tube. It can be bilateral or unilateral.

Table of contents:

But, sometimes, it is also diagnosed in adults, developing, as a rule, after influenza and ARVI, accompanied by severe swelling of the mucous membranes. And provoking factors can be:

  • Hypo- and vitamin deficiency;
  • Reduced functioning of the body's defenses;
  • Suppressed sneezing.

Catarrhal otitis in children occurs for a number of reasons, including:

  • Viral diseases of the nasopharynx;
  • Infectious inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract;
  • Ingress of water if there is a predisposition to inflammation;
  • General hypothermia of the body.

Inflammation of the middle ear in an infant can be triggered by frequent regurgitation, constant lying in a horizontal position, and reduced immunity. Sometimes, the culprit of catarrhal otitis is changes in atmospheric pressure during aircraft takeoff, scuba diving, ascent and submersion.

Clinical picture

The symptoms of catarrhal otitis, contrary to popular belief, are not as pronounced as with purulent inflammation of the middle ear. You can suspect this disease in an adult or a child of high school age based on the following unexpected manifestations:

  • Painful, aching sensations in the affected ear;
  • Hearing impairment;
  • Congestion of the middle ear or the appearance of noise in it.

The pain may be of an increasing nature, may radiate to the teeth or temple, and also intensify when swallowing, coughing or sneezing, especially if this ailment is bilateral.

With catarrhal otitis of infectious origin, all of the above symptoms are accompanied by an increase in body temperature. When examined by a doctor, severe pain is observed when pressing and penetrating the middle ear with a cotton swab, as well as hypermia of the eardrum.

In a newborn and a child under 12 years of age, the symptoms of this disease are more pronounced.

Acute catarrhal otitis is accompanied by:

  • Shooting pain in the affected ear;
  • High temperature;
  • Refusal to eat;
  • Dyspeptic disorders;
  • Increased anxiety of the child or, conversely, decreased motor activity.

The doctor, when complaining of otitis symptoms, notes redness of the eardrum and the presence of fluid behind it. After some time, in the absence of therapy, bilateral otitis media can either go away on its own or go from acute to chronic.

Treatment options

Treatment of catarrhal otitis is carried out under the supervision of an otorhinolaryngologist (ENT). Properly selected therapy will guarantee a rapid reduction in pain, rapid recovery and minimizing the risk of this disease becoming chronic. Self-treatment of this disease is strictly prohibited.

The first prescription of a doctor when diagnosing catarrhal otitis will be to prescribe medications that relieve painful symptoms. These can be ibuprofen preparations intended for oral administration, which, moreover, reduce elevated body temperature and heated anesthetic drops, which are used locally - for instillation into the ear.

Antibiotic therapy, which includes taking new generation macrolide antibiotics and time-tested penicillin drugs, is carried out in the following cases:

  • If the patient is less than 2 years old;
  • If inflammation of the middle ear is accompanied by fever;
  • If the patient notes severe pain symptoms and severe discomfort.

In all other cases, in the absence of complications, antibiotic treatment is not practiced. If there is no therapeutic effect from the treatment prescribed by the doctor, the patient is advised to undergo a full examination, including bacteriological culture of discharge from the middle ear to determine the sensitivity of the causative agent to antibiotics and puncture of the eardrum.

As additional therapy, in the absence of elevated body temperature, warming methods such as:

When treating a child for this inflammatory disease, the use of alcohol drops, semi-alcohol compresses and wax suppositories is prohibited.

Alternative medicine

As for alternative methods of getting rid of catarrhal otitis, they can only be used as additional therapy with the main treatment prescribed by a doctor. These methods include:

No scientific studies have been conducted on their effectiveness in catarrhal otitis, but many patients note a very noticeable improvement in their well-being when using them.

It is prohibited to use all of the above methods of alternative medicine to treat a child.

Treatment of pregnant women and elderly people is carried out under the mandatory supervision of a physician using medications approved for this category of people.

Prevention

Prevention of catarrhal otitis consists, first of all, in minimizing seasonal colds and viral infections. This can be achieved by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and constantly strengthening the immune system.

In addition, some people have a predisposition to catarrhal otitis, which often occurs after water procedures. Therefore, without waiting for symptoms to appear, at the height of the beach season, antiseptic drops are recommended. They need to be instilled, one drop at a time, into the ear after each swim in a pond.

To prevent the risk of this disease in an infant, young mothers need to practice free breastfeeding, in which the baby should be in an elevated position.

Professional treatment of catarrhal otitis will allow you to quickly get rid of its painful manifestations, eliminate the risk of complications and possible relapses in the future.

Source: http://nasmorklechit.ru/otity/kataralnyy-otit.html

Catarrhal otitis media: symptoms and treatment methods

Otitis catarrhal is an inflammatory disease of the middle ear, characterized by the appearance of catarrhal symptoms. It rarely becomes chronic and occurs in children and adults of all ages. Treatment is conservative, outpatient, without the use of antibiotics. With timely contact with an ENT doctor, recovery is complete, without complications. Lack of adequate treatment leads to hearing loss, up to complete deafness.

Who is susceptible to the disease

The anatomical features of the auditory tube lead to the fact that catarrhal otitis media occurs more often in children than in adults. But the disease occurs in people of all age groups, which is facilitated by past influenza or ARVI. A complication of a respiratory disease is the most common cause of acute otitis media. Factors contributing to its development:

  • avitaminosis;
  • decrease in the body's defenses;
  • frequent suppression of sneezing.

Catarrhal otitis in a child occurs for several reasons:

  • diseases of the nasopharynx of viral etiology;
  • hypothermia of the body;
  • water getting into the ears with a tendency to inflammatory diseases;
  • infectious inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.

Acute otitis media in an infant can occur due to frequent regurgitation and lying in a horizontal position. To reduce the chance of fluid building up in the middle ear, you should let your baby burp air after each feeding.

Clinical picture of the disease: symptoms

Symptoms of the disease in adults and children develop quickly. Acute catarrhal otitis media is manifested by the following symptoms:

  1. Ear congestion, creating an unpleasant phenomenon - autophony. With it, the patient hears his voice in the sore ear. Autophony is replaced by strong noise when the cavity is filled with serous exudate.
  2. Shooting, throbbing severe pain in the inflamed ear. It impairs performance and interferes with proper rest and sleep. Children become capricious and constantly touch the sore ear.
  3. Increase in body temperature to 38 degrees or more. In infants the temperature reaches 40 degrees.
  4. Fatigue, nervous disorders associated with constant pain and high fever.
  5. The patient refuses food and usual activities. Tries to find privacy in a quiet room; loud sounds increase the pulsation in the ear.

As the symptoms increase, the sensations intensify, and intoxication of the body begins. Serous otitis becomes purulent, which poses a threat to the patient's life.

If the patient has bilateral catarrhal otitis, which is rare, the listed symptoms intensify and hearing acuity decreases. The pain is felt not only in the ears, but also in the head.

Methods of treating the disease

Hospitalization is required in several cases:

  • complication of pathology, formation of purulent exudate and progressive hearing loss;
  • the patient's age is less than 2 years;
  • the child has a fever due to high temperature;
  • bilateral otitis media brings unbearable pain, dizziness, and vomiting.

The treatment method is selected depending on the patient’s age, the presence of other infectious diseases, and the stage of otitis media. To relieve pain, the patient is prescribed painkillers:

  • for oral administration: Peracetamol, Ibuprofen;
  • for topical use: ear drops containing lidocaine (Otipax);
  • antipyretic drugs: Paracetamol, Panadol, Nurofen.

If the patient's age is less than 2 years, then antibiotic therapy is used. In adults, a wait-and-see approach is used, consisting of treatment with anti-inflammatory and painkillers.

Antibiotics are prescribed for fever and severe pain in children of all ages. For adults, treatment with these drugs does not show effectiveness, but only worsens the patient’s condition due to the suppression of favorable microflora. But the prescription depends on the severity of the symptoms and the stage of the disease.

If fluid has collected in the ear, you should immediately consult a doctor to rule out a ruptured eardrum. An alarming symptom is a sharp decrease in hearing.

In some cases, patients are prescribed physiotherapy:

Alternative medicine methods

Catarrhal otitis media is recommended to be treated using traditional medicine. Lotions and compresses using herbs are effective. You can use the methods listed below with your doctor’s permission!

The goal of unconventional treatment is to restore microcirculation of air in the ear cavity, eliminate inflammation, reduce swelling and ear pain.

  • A compress consisting of cotton wool soaked in glycerin, medical alcohol and resorcinol is inserted into the sore ear for a day. The compress helps relieve inflammation and reduce pain.
  • A compress of diluted alcohol is placed behind the ear. It is allowed to hold for 12 hours, after which the gauze is removed.
  • To relieve swelling, protargol is instilled into the ear.

Alternative medicine is used taking into account several rules:

  • Compresses should not be applied at high temperatures;
  • alcohol drops should not be used to treat children;
  • if the patient's age is less than 10 years, then semi-alcohol compresses are not used.

Complications of acute otitis media

The acute form of the disease lasts about 5 days, then otitis media becomes purulent and the likelihood of such complications increases:

  • rupture of the eardrum;
  • hearing loss, hearing loss;
  • the spread of pus throughout the body, the occurrence of meningitis, labyrinth, sepsis;
  • chronic otitis media

Chronic form of the disease: features

Acute catarrhal otitis media in the absence of adequate treatment and weak immunity becomes chronic. It is divided into two types:

  1. Hypertrophic otitis media - implies constant swelling of the mucous membrane, reducing the ear cavity, which reduces hearing acuity.
  2. Atrophic otitis - the death of the epithelium occurs, which leads to an increase in space and a decrease in the function of sound perception.

Only the hypertrophic form of the disease during the period of exacerbation can be treated. The use of drug therapy for atrophic otitis is aimed at improving well-being. It is no longer possible to eliminate the pathological process.

The acute stage rarely turns into chronic; in most cases, the disease can be cured immediately, without waiting for complications. But with weakened immunity and the presence of other infectious or inflammatory diseases, chronic otitis media is almost inevitable.

Preventive measures for children and adults

You can protect yourself and your children from catarrhal otitis by following the basic rules of a healthy lifestyle:

  • absence of bad habits, protection of children from tobacco smoke;
  • regular rest away from the noisy, polluted city;
  • hardening, regular physical activity;
  • nutrition with quality products;
  • supporting immunity with vitamins in the autumn-winter period;
  • thorough hand washing after public places to prevent infectious diseases;
  • timely treatment of respiratory diseases;
  • cleaning ears, protecting against penetration of water and other liquids;
  • prolonged breastfeeding of babies;
  • examination by doctors according to the patronage schedule for children under one year old.

Preventive measures are aimed at preventing respiratory and infectious diseases that can lead to otitis media and other complications. If it was not possible to protect yourself or your children from ARVI, you must immediately begin treatment for a speedy recovery.

Catarrhal otitis media does not threaten human life, manifests itself mainly in an acute form and disappears without a trace within 6 days. A favorable outcome is possible with adequate treatment prescribed by a doctor. If measures are not taken to eliminate inflammation, complications are possible, leading to deafness and infection of other body systems.

Source: http://lor-expert.ru/ears/otitis/kataralnyj-otit.html

Acute catarrhal otitis media

Acute catarrhal otitis is an ENT disease in which inflammation of the mastoid process, eustachian tube and tympanic cavity occurs. The causative agents of the infection are streptococci, aspergillus and other nonspecific bacteria. Their development is due to a decrease in the body's resistance, which occurs as a result of hypothermia, injuries, vitamin deficiency, colds, etc.

Most often, pathogenic flora penetrates the organs of the auditory apparatus from the nasopharynx through the Eustachian tube (tubar duct). Less commonly, the infection spreads hematogenously due to the transfer of pathogens into the ear cavity through the bloodstream. The development of ear pathology is signaled by pain that occurs as a result of catarrhal processes occurring in the mucous membranes of the Eustachian tube and the tympanic cavity.

Causes of otitis media

The main reason for the development of ENT disease is a decrease in the reactivity of local and general immunity. As a result, the process of development of opportunistic microorganisms is no longer controlled by immune cells. The spread of pathogenic flora leads to intoxication of the body, resulting in an inflammatory process.

There are many factors that contribute to the occurrence of foci of inflammation in the mucous membranes of the ear cavity:

  • allergic reactions;
  • systemic diseases;
  • infection of the nasopharynx;
  • hypovitaminosis;
  • secondary immunodeficiency;
  • deviated nasal septum;
  • otitis externa;
  • cranial injuries;
  • benign tumors;
  • water getting into the ear.

Improper nose blowing during the development of infectious rhinitis leads to mucus entering the Eustachian tube. Liquid secretion, which contains viral or bacterial flora, leads to the development of catarrhal processes.

According to experts, acute catarrhal otitis media is one of the potentially dangerous ear pathologies. As the disease progresses, the serous exudate that accumulates in the tympanic cavity turns into fairly dense purulent masses. They create pressure on the eardrum, which leads to its perforation.

General and local manifestations of otitis

In the initial stages of the disease, a person feels discomfort in the ear, which is caused by inflammation and swelling of the affected tissues. After a couple of days, pain occurs and gradually increases. This is due to a violation of the outflow of effusion from the tympanic cavity, as a result of which pressure is created on the eardrum.

Otolaryngologists include the following local manifestations of the disease:

  • narrowing of the ear canal;
  • ear pain and congestion;
  • hearing loss;
  • hyperemia of the skin in the ear canal;
  • noises in the ear.

As catarrhal inflammation progresses, the clinical picture is replenished with general symptoms of the disease:

When sneezing or coughing, the pain intensifies, which is due to the creation of high pressure on the inflamed eardrum.

If left untreated, the pain worsens and can radiate to the teeth, neck, bridge of the nose, back of the head or parietotemporal region. If the pathology is complicated by general diseases, then its development will be accompanied by hyperemia and chills.

Localization of inflammation

A distinctive feature of the development of catarrhal otitis is conductive hearing loss, which is characterized by difficulty transmitting sound signals through the outer ear, ear canal, eardrum and auditory ossicles. Hearing impairment is associated primarily with tissue swelling. Fluid accumulating in the ear cavity interferes with the normal functioning of the auditory ossicles, which can lead to the development of autophony.

Depending on the location of the catarrhal process, otitis media is conventionally divided into several types:

  1. acute right-sided catarrhal otitis media is a non-purulent inflammation that is localized in the right ear. As a result of tissue swelling in the auditory tube, the outflow of effusion from the ear cavity is disrupted, which leads to pain and an echo effect in the right ear;
  2. left-sided acute catarrhal otitis media - catarrhal inflammation in the left ear, which is similar in nature to right-sided otitis media;
  3. bilateral acute catarrhal otitis media is a disease in the development of which foci of inflammation are localized in both organs of hearing. It is characterized by severe hearing loss caused by disturbances in the conduction of sound signals by both ears.

As a rule, as the disease develops, the patient feels discomfort in only one ear, but for a short time the second one also causes concern. That is why experts insist on timely consultation with a doctor when the first signs of an ENT disease appear.

Diagnostics

Adequate treatment of ear pathology requires an accurate diagnosis, thanks to which it will be possible to determine not only the type of ENT disease, but also the causative agent of the infection. The feasibility of using antibacterial or antiviral therapy, as well as the need to use antihistamines, will depend on this. When examining a patient, the ENT doctor must perform several diagnostic procedures:

  1. audiometry is one of the ways to assess the air conductivity of a sound signal, which is carried out in case of development of hearing loss or suspected hearing impairment;
  2. bacterial culture - analysis of the contents in the ear cavity, thanks to which it is possible to determine the presence of bacterial pathogens in areas of inflammation;
  3. tomography – a computer examination of the head, which allows you to determine the presence of tumors in the hearing organs or the development of mastoiditis;
  4. tympanometry is a method for determining the degree of elasticity of the eardrum, which can be used to determine the severity of its inflammation.

Without preliminary diagnosis, treatment cannot be started. This can only worsen the health condition and provoke complications such as labyrinthitis, meningitis, brain abscess, hydrocephalitis.

Treatment options

The principles of treatment of unilateral and bilateral acute catarrhal otitis media are practically the same and largely depend on what pathogen caused the inflammation. Complex therapy can quickly alleviate the symptoms of ENT disease and achieve regression of catarrhal processes. To eliminate foci of inflammation and clinical manifestations of ear pathology, the following treatment methods are used:

  • Politzer blowing of the ear canals is a therapeutic procedure that involves blowing through the ears using a special tube inserted into the Eustachian tube. Normalizes pressure on the eardrum, which leads to a decrease in pain;
  • Eustachian tube catheterization is an effective way to transport medications into the ear cavity through a catheter inserted into the Eustachian tube;
  • sanitation of the upper respiratory tract - cleansing the nasopharynx from mucus and pathogenic flora using washing, rinsing and irrigation;
  • pneumomassage of the eardrum - a therapeutic procedure aimed at increasing the mobility of the eardrum when exposed to air masses;
  • antibiotic therapy - the use of antibacterial drugs, the active components of which kill microbes in areas of inflammation;
  • local therapy - relief of catarrhal processes in the ear with the help of external agents that have anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects.

Features of pharmacotherapy

In medical practice, to eliminate the signs of catarrhal otitis, the following medications are included in the conservative treatment regimen:

  • "Ceftriaxone" - prevents the development of bacterial flora;
  • "Clindamycin" - eliminates microbes and eliminates inflammation;
  • "Diclofenac" - reduces inflammation and pain;
  • "Otipax" - disinfects the ear cavity and relieves inflammation;
  • "Sofradex" - relieves pain, inflammation and swelling of tissues;
  • "Suprastin" - eliminates itching and irritation;
  • "Paracetamol" - dulls pain and eliminates hyperemia.

The principles of treatment and suitable drugs can only be determined by the attending physician. Depending on the dynamics of regression of catarrhal processes, some antibacterial drugs during treatment can be replaced with glucocorticosteroids or broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Author: Guseinova Irada

Comments and reviews

You may also be interested in

Current prices and products

A drug made according to an old folk recipe. Find out how it got on the coat of arms of the city of Shenkursk.

Famous drops for preventing diseases and increasing immunity.

Monastic tea for ENT diseases

For the prevention and assistance in the treatment of diseases of the throat and nose according to the prescription of Schema-Archimandrite George (Sava).

Any use of site materials is permitted only with the consent of the portal editors and by installing an active link to the source.

The information published on the site is intended for informational purposes only and in no way calls for independent diagnosis and treatment. To make informed decisions about treatment and medications, consultation with a qualified physician is required. The information posted on the site is obtained from open sources. The portal's editors are not responsible for its accuracy.

Higher medical education, anesthesiologist.

Source: http://lorcabinet.com/vospalenie/vidy/ostryj-kataralnyj-otit.html

Catarrhal otitis in a child

Inflammation in the ears causes many uncomfortable symptoms in babies. One of the variants of the disease is medial - catarrhal otitis media. What parents should know about this pathology is described in this article.

What it is?

Inflammation of the middle ear leads to the development of symptoms of otitis in a child, which can occur in a variety of clinical variants. Catarrhal otitis media occurs quite often in children. In most cases, this type of disease is replaced by another - purulent, which is much more severe.

Only a pediatric ENT specialist can make a differential diagnosis between these pathological conditions.

The most common cause of inflammation in the middle ear is various bacterial infections.

The development of catarrhal otitis can also be caused by viruses and fungal flora entering the Eustachian tube. These types of diseases are much less common.

You can get catarrhal otitis at any age. Adverse symptoms of the disease occur in both infants and school-age children.

The Eustachian tube is the main structural element that is present in the middle ear cavity. Infection can enter through it and the development of catarrhal otitis is possible from the nasal passages.

Normally, there are anatomical communications between the nasal cavity and the ears. Having a small size, pathogenic viruses and bacteria easily reach the Eustachian tube, contributing to the development of severe inflammation in it.

The pathological process can be one- or two-sided. Babies suffering from immunodeficiency conditions or having severe chronic diseases often have damage to both ears at once. Right-sided otitis media, according to statistics, is somewhat more common in children. Typically, the catarrhal version of this disease is, as a rule, easier than the purulent one.

The inflammatory process, which triggers the appearance of characteristic symptoms of the disease in a sick baby, also leads to the development of pronounced swelling of the mucous membranes lining the middle ear cavity. This pathological condition contributes to congestion of blood vessels, as well as pronounced lymphocytic infiltration.

With catarrhal otitis, a large amount of pathological secretion - mucus - is formed in the damaged ear. It can be quite dense in consistency.

Typically, the first symptoms of the disease appear 3-5 days after pathogenic microorganisms enter the ear cavity.

Prolonged accumulation of inflammatory exudate can lead to secondary bacterial flora joining the inflammation. This pathological condition quite often leads to the development of purulent otitis media.

Pediatric doctors note that a pronounced decrease in immunity leads to the development of a chronic form. This condition usually occurs in children with chronic diseases of internal organs.

Children suffering from diabetes mellitus or various cardiovascular pathologies have a higher risk of chronicity of the acute form of catarrhal otitis in the future.

Symptoms

The very first clinical signs of this disease may be mild. The classic symptom of the disease is the appearance of congestion in the affected ear. Usually this symptom leads to a disturbance in the perception of various sounds. As a rule, pronounced hearing loss does not occur with catarrhal otitis media.

The inflammatory process contributes to the development of intoxication symptoms in the child. Body temperature with catarrhal otitis usually reaches 37.5-39 degrees. Against the background of such an increase, the baby may feel fever or severe chills.

The baby’s well-being is significantly worsened by the appearance of severe headaches and rapid fatigue, which develops in a sick child during the acute period of the disease.

Severe intoxication syndrome leads to severe thirst in the baby. The child’s lips become very dry and may even crack. The tongue is usually covered with a white coating.

When a bacterial infection spreads from the ear cavity to the paranasal sinuses, this leads to severe congestion when breathing. Some babies may also develop a runny nose.

Severe pain in the area of ​​the affected ear can also spread to the neck, lower jaw area, and in some cases even occupy half of the face.

A fairly common symptom of middle ear inflammation is autophony. This is a pathological condition when the baby hears his own voice while pronouncing words or sounds.

As the inflammatory process progresses, this symptom in the child completely disappears. This already indicates that the cavity of the ear is completely filled with pathological exudate, and the pressure inside the Eustachian tube has increased significantly. This leads to the fact that the baby begins to feel a strong sensation of “bloating” inside the damaged ear.

The mood and behavior of a sick child change noticeably. The child becomes more capricious, refuses his usual favorite foods, and feels very sleepy even during the daytime.

Severe ear pain can also disturb sleep at night. The child becomes more restless and may wake up several times during the night.

A characteristic symptom that occurs with this type of disease is the appearance of pain when pressing on the tragus of the ear. This clinical sign intensifies as this pathology develops.

This symptom allows parents to identify and suspect the disease on their own, even in the youngest children who cannot yet complain to them about the deterioration of their health.

Diagnostics

When the first symptoms appear or the child’s behavior changes, parents should definitely seek advice from a pediatric otolaryngologist. It is possible to establish the correct diagnosis and carry out a full differential diagnosis only through special examinations.

During the initial clinical examination and examination, the pediatric otolaryngologist examines the ear cavity. For this purpose, special medical instruments are used.

To determine the cause of the disease, as well as to determine the severity of the disease, laboratory tests are performed.

A complete blood count reveals moderate leukocytosis. In this pathological condition, the number of leukocytes in the peripheral blood increases. Inflammatory changes are also accompanied by an acceleration of ESR.

During a clinical examination, the doctor may collect biological material for bacterial culture. Using such a test, you can also quite accurately determine the causative agent of the disease. Results usually take 3 to 10 days.

This test allows not only to identify a specific type of microorganism, but also to select specific therapy that will lead to the baby’s recovery.

Treatment

Therapy for the youngest patients is carried out in a hospital setting. This is necessary to prevent the development of secondary complications of the disease, as well as for a quick recovery.

The duration of hospitalization may vary and depend on the initial severity of the disease.

The most severe cases of the disease are treated in intensive care units.

The main goal is to eliminate inflammation in the cavity of the inflamed ear, as well as to prevent the transition from an acute form of the disease to a chronic one. Usually, to eliminate the unfavorable symptoms of catarrhal otitis, a complex of medications and physical therapy are prescribed.

To restore hearing and reduce high pressure in the Eustachian tube, UHF therapy, ultrasound and phonophoresis are successfully used. To achieve a positive effect, a whole course of physiotherapy, consisting of 8-12 procedures, is usually required.

If the cause of the disease is a bacterial infection, various types of antibacterial drugs are used. Currently, doctors prefer drugs that have a wide spectrum of action.

Clavulanic acid-protected penicillins are the most commonly used drugs used to treat bacterial forms of otitis media.

Many types of chronic otitis occur against the background of reduced functioning of the immune system. To normalize immunity, doctors prescribe multivitamin complexes and interferon-type drugs to children. These funds are also used for course admission.

Long-term use of immunomodulatory drugs should be discussed with a pediatric immunologist.

To eliminate pain in the affected ear, ear drops are used. They are usually prescribed for 7-14 days. These medications can be used 3-4 times a day.

"Otipax" helps eliminate severe inflammation in the cavity of the affected ear, and also reduces the possibility of secondary bacterial infection and spread of the process.

Ear drops should be used only after a preliminary examination by a pediatric ENT doctor. Many of the medications are contraindicated if there is a perforation of the eardrum in the ear cavity. Only an otolaryngologist can identify this pathological deviation using a special medical instrument.

To normalize high body temperature, antipyretics are used. In children, it is most optimal to use drugs containing paracetamol and ibuprofen. These medications should be used only when the body temperature rises above 38 degrees.

Children should not take products containing acetylsalicylic acid. These drugs can lead to the development of multiple unwanted complications.

The course of catarrhal otitis must be carefully monitored. The most dangerous are considered to be 3-5 days from the onset of the disease. As a rule, at this time the process can turn into a purulent form.

To identify complications of the disease, a mandatory general blood test is required. An increase in leukocytes during treatment is an unfavorable sign that requires mandatory consultation with your doctor.

To prevent the transition of acute catarrhal otitis to chronic, mandatory strengthening of the immune system is required. To do this, doctors recommend that children follow the correct daily routine, eat high-quality protein foods, and also regularly walk in the fresh air. Any severe stress and excessively active physical activity can only lead to a decrease in immunity.

To learn what otitis media is and how to treat it, watch the following video.

All rights reserved, 14+

Copying site materials is possible only if you install an active link to our site.

Source: http://www.o-krohe.ru/otit/kataralnyj-u-rebenka/

Catarrhal otitis: what parents need to know about ear inflammation in children

Otolaryngologists diagnose catarrhal otitis in children in the presence of an inflammatory process that affects the mucous tissue of the middle ear. The disease affects a quarter of all children under 5 years of age. Its development can be provoked by factors such as:

  • rhinitis;
  • enlarged adenoids;
  • pathologies of the nasal cavity;
  • frequent ARVI, influenza;
  • restless cough.

But Dr. Komarovsky names the main cause of the catarrhal form of otitis as the tendency of the children's auditory tube to inflammation. Shorter and wider than in adults, this part of the organ easily receives pathogens of infectious pathology. As it gets older, it moves slightly vertically, which creates an obstacle for bacteria to penetrate the ear system.

In the first months of life, all organs of a baby continue to form, and the ENT department is no exception. Those newborns who have profuse nasal discharge are most at risk of developing acute otitis media. Up to 1 year of age, parents should be especially careful, because under the pressure of accumulated mucus, the child’s eardrum may burst.

Clinic and treatment of childhood catarrhal otitis

The clinical picture of the disease consists of the following symptoms:

  1. weakness;
  2. refusal to eat;
  3. redness of the ear area;
  4. increased body temperature;
  5. causeless anxiety of the newborn;
  6. ear congestion, noise in it, hearing problems;
  7. unbearable pain in the ear. They can be pulsating, shooting, radiating to the cheeks, temporal zone, lower part of the back of the head, jaws. Discomfort occurs from swallowing food and saliva, sneezing, blowing your nose and coughing.

Acute otitis media

Inflammation in the Eustachian tube develops as a result of incomplete treatment of viral-bacterial pathologies. The disease is not contagious, but it requires serious treatment. In the absence of complications, they try to eliminate otitis media without antibiotics. For example, to speed up blood flow in the inflamed area, heat compresses are applied to the child's ear. The otolaryngologist prescribes heating with a blue lamp, alcohol or semi-alcohol lotions.

The doctor includes nasal drops in the treatment of acute otitis in the form of vasoconstrictors (Nazivin, Fazin, Oxymetazoline, Leconil, Nazol). The purpose of the prescription is to eliminate the runny nose, which is often the culprit of otitis media. Ear medications Otipax, Otizol, Otinum for otitis media are prescribed to relieve pain and relieve inflammation. Liquid forms are suitable for newborns.

Bilateral type of catarrhal otitis

The factors for the development of bilateral catarrhal otitis do not differ from the first variant of the disease. Colds and sniffles, flu and acute respiratory viral infections are also the culprits. The child is bothered by ear discomfort and headaches that “hit” the gums and temples. Because of nausea, he does not want to eat. Vomiting and fever are possible. In a baby who cannot speak, the presence of pain is determined by pressing on the tragus, i.e., the cartilage near the ear. If the touch hurts, the baby cries.

Symptomatic treatment of this condition is aimed at eliminating pain and stabilizing temperature indicators. The patient is prescribed drugs with paracetamol and warming with fir, alcohol and camphor compresses. To ease breathing and relieve swelling, the child’s nose is cleaned and dripped. Antibiotics are given if absolutely necessary.

When is surgery needed?

In acute otitis media, treatment can be surgical. The operation is performed by an otolaryngologist. The specialist selects the method of implementation based on the picture of the inflammatory process. If the disease appears due to enlarged adenoids, they are removed to allow the hearing aid to fully function.

In advanced cases, when drug treatment fails to achieve positive dynamics, the young patient undergoes paracentesis of the eardrum. The manipulation is carried out in the form of artificial perforation of the membrane, after which a titanium shunt is introduced into the organ. The device accelerates the flow of exudate and helps preserve hearing.

Ways to prevent illness

Prevention of catarrhal otitis in a small child is based on timely treatment of diseases dangerous by ear inflammation. When a baby has a runny nose, parents should watch how he blows his nose. Often, babies under 3 years old simultaneously “work” with both nostrils and close their mouth. This approach does not allow the mucus to come out completely; it moves into the ear canal and accumulates, causing acute otitis media.

When bathing an infant, it is necessary to exclude the possibility of water flowing into the ears. In case of a mistake, the mother should carefully collect the liquid with a cotton swab. It is recommended that older children who actively participate in the summer swimming season be shown to an otolaryngologist and have their ears cleaned at the end of spring. To improve the health of the ENT system, you can use preventive drop-shaped preparations with an antiseptic.

If you have to fly on airplanes with your child, and quick relief treatment is not possible, you need to teach him to swallow saliva. This movement eliminates pain. Babies under 1 year of age should increase their water or milk intake. During feeding, the baby is kept in a semi-upright position.

  1. Parents, do not allow catarrhal otitis to become purulent. If complications cannot be avoided, make cotton pads, moisten them with alcohol and insert them into the baby’s sore ear. In this case, the doctor may add mud therapy and ultraviolet radiation to drug therapy.
  2. Do not allow a sick infant to become hypothermic. In summer, wear a thin hat for him. Until complete recovery, when performing hygiene measures, do without washing your hair.
  3. If you notice early signs of catarrhal otitis, do not hesitate to visit an otolaryngologist. Remember that pathological fluid in the ears accumulates very quickly. In its thickened state, it will not be easy to remove.

No comments yet

  • Hello guest
  • Go out
  • To come in

    Healthy child from birth. When copying, an active link is required.

    Source: http://lecheniedetok.ru/lor/kataralnyj-otit-u-detej.html

    Treatment of catarrhal otitis in children

    Catarrhal otitis in children is a common disease in which inflammation of the middle ear occurs in a child.

    Symptoms

    • severe ear pain (increasing pain inside both ears);
    • nature of the pain: shooting, pulsating, radiating to the lower part of the back of the head, temples, teeth, cheeks (occurs when sneezing, coughing, blowing the nose, swallowing);
    • ear noise, congestion, hearing loss;
    • weakness;
    • refusal to eat;
    • if the child is small and does not know how to speak, he may fiddle with his ear, turn his head, cry for no reason;
    • redness in the ear area;
    • high body temperature.

    Causes

    Most often, catarrhal otitis affects newborn children. This occurs due to the peculiar structure of the ear canal. In babies, the anatomical shape of the passage is short but wide. Frequently keeping the child in a horizontal position and regurgitating, some of which enters the auditory tube, lead to the development of otitis media.

    Rhinitis, acute respiratory infections, flu, kidney disease, vitamin deficiency, adenoid growths, foreign bodies getting into the ear (children like to put things in their ears), lack or improper hygiene, artificial feeding (in newborns) - all these are reasons that can cause childhood otitis media.

    Types of catarrhal otitis

    Spicy medium

    The catarrhal inflammatory process in the middle ear itself is one of the subtypes of acute otitis media. An acute inflammatory process occurs in a child’s ear immediately after untreated viral and bacterial diseases. You cannot get infected with otitis media.

    Treatment

    • Русский
    • local - use of ear drops. The modern pharmaceutical market is rich in such drugs. Otipax drops are often prescribed for otitis media. Their action is aimed at relieving pain and reducing inflammation in the ear. Such drops are used even when otitis media affects the ears of newborn children;
    • warm procedures. To produce protective cells and accelerate blood circulation, dry compresses are applied to the area where inflammation occurs. They can also prescribe alcohol, semi-alcohol and heating with a blue lamp;
    • nasal drops. Otitis is directly dependent on the nose and the runny nose that forms in it, so the doctor prescribes instillation of children's vasoconstrictors. Timely treatment of a runny nose will protect the child from otitis media;
    • antibiotics. These products should only be used on the advice of a doctor. Typically, treatment is prescribed for purulent otitis, when a child has a complication or when a newborn gets sick. It is necessary to be treated with such drugs with extreme caution, constantly monitoring the condition of children.

    An acute process of inflammation of the middle ear, if left untreated, can lead to purulent otitis media.

    Bilateral otitis media

    Bilateral catarrhal otitis develops for the same reasons as other types of this disease: structural features of the ear in children, untreated influenza, acute respiratory infections, ARVI, rhinitis. Signs of bilateral otitis in children are pain in the ears, headaches directed to the temples, teeth and lower jaw. During this illness, the child does not eat anything and is in a restless or irritable state. Children may feel sick or vomit and may have a fever. In order to determine the presence of pain in the baby’s ears, you can press on the tragus; if the child is in pain, he will cry.

    Treatment

    • Русский
    • symptomatic. Treatment is aimed at reducing fever and eliminating pain. The child must be provided with anti-fever medications (paracetamol-containing). In order to avoid complications, the child needs to do warming compresses (alcohol, camphor, fir);
    • therapy using antibiotics. It is known that ear inflammation is caused by pathogenic bacteria, so otitis media is treated with antibiotics. The treatment regimen and type of medications should be prescribed by the treating pediatrician;
    • cleansing the nose. The nasal section of small children must be cleaned with care so as not to cause complications. To relieve swelling and improve breathing with bilateral catarrhal otitis, the child needs to bury nose drops.
    • blue lamp. If there is no fever, but catarrhal inflammation (non-purulent) is diagnosed, children can warm up their ears with a blue lamp.

    You cannot self-medicate; at the first opportunity you should consult a doctor. Do not forget that catarrhal otitis media can become complicated, become purulent, and then lead to meningitis, pneumonia, and sepsis.

    Only an otorhinolaryngologist can prescribe adequate treatment, including antibacterial therapy, so do not delay your visit to the children's clinic.

    Prevention

    The main preventive measure against catarrhal otitis is timely treatment of diseases that can be complicated by ear inflammation (ARVI, acute respiratory infections, influenza). Another reason is improper nose blowing: parents cover the nasal “wings” of the child, forcing the latter to blow his nose into a handkerchief. During this procedure, babies have their mouths closed, and some of the mucus that is not blown out gets into the ear canal, accumulates there and causes inflammation of the middle ear.

    To avoid otitis media, it is recommended to slightly open the baby's mouth when blowing his nose. To prevent the disease from entering the relapse phase, antibiotics should be given at the first stage, but only after consulting a doctor. You need to bathe your baby carefully to prevent water from getting into the ears. If this happens, the liquid must be removed.

    If children often suffer from inflammation of the middle ear, before the start of the swimming season they should be taken to an appointment with an otolaryngologist, their ears should be cleaned, and after the children are bathed, their ears should be driped with antiseptic prophylactic drops. Usually the doctor prescribes one drop at night.

    When children get stuffy ears during flights, parents need to ask the child to swallow saliva more often to relieve the pain. If the baby is a newborn, then he needs to be given more milk or water to drink. Babies should be fed in a semi-upright position.

    Increasing the child’s immunity will prevent not only the development of otitis media, but also other diseases. You can increase the body's protective function with the help of vitamin supplements, which will be prescribed by your treating pediatrician.

    Source: http://lecheniedetej.ru/uxo-gorlo-nos/kataralnyj-otit.html

    Catarrhal otitis: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

    Inflammation of the middle ear is a fairly common phenomenon in the practice of ENT specialists, which is called catarrhal otitis media. The form of the disease occurs both acute and chronic, and in the process of inflammation, all cavities and structures of the middle ear are affected. Due to the immaturity of the auditory tube, children are more often susceptible to pathology, but adults also suffer from this disease. During the course of the disease, the Eustachian tube becomes blocked, and fluid mixed with pus enters the ear cavity (depending on the stage of inflammation).

    Causes of the disease

    Often, the occurrence of catarrhal otitis media is provoked by an infection entering the auditory tube and developing in the nasopharynx. The impetus for the manifestation of the disease, both in adults and in children, is:

    • sinusitis in any form (sinusitis, sinusitis);
    • adenoids;
    • inflammation of the tonsils;
    • rhinovirus infection, influenza, ARVI;
    • bacterial flora (streptococci, staphylococci);
    • infectious diseases (measles, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, etc.).

    Viruses and bacteria are spread by coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. In children, during infectious diseases, infection occurs hematogenously (through the blood).

    Some conditions and pathologies of the patient’s body also contribute to the development of catarrhal otitis media. These include:

    • frequent hypothermia;
    • lack of vitamins;
    • rickets;
    • diabetes;
    • kidney and liver diseases;
    • weakened immune system;
    • frequent regurgitation and constant lying down (newborn babies);
    • barotrauma;
    • aggressive coughing or frequent sneezing provokes increased pressure and strain, thereby supplying all structures of the middle ear with infected secretions.

    Right-sided or left-sided catarrhal otitis media is more often detected in adult patients. With children the situation is more complicated, since the child is not always able to properly clean and rinse the nasal passages on his own in a timely manner. In addition, it is difficult to immediately determine that it is the baby’s ear that hurts. For these reasons, as well as due to the short length of the auditory tube, children have a bilateral form of otitis media.

    Important: if a woman suffers otitis media during pregnancy, the newborn child may be born with pathologies, for example, completely deaf.

    Symptoms of the disease

    There is an opinion that the symptoms of purulent and catarrhal forms are similar, but this is not entirely true. Acute catarrhal otitis media has a rapid course and is determined by the following symptoms:

    1. Aching pain in the affected ear, which radiates to the teeth, temporal or parietal areas, resulting in deterioration of sleep.
    2. The ear canals are red, swollen, the eardrum is motionless and retracted, which provokes hearing loss.
    3. The process of blowing your nose or sneezing is accompanied by pain.
    4. Deterioration of hearing, congestion, accompanied by noise and ringing in the ears.
    5. An increase in body temperature and the manifestation of general malaise (weakness, nausea, aches, loss of appetite).

    One of the main complaints at the initial stage of pathology development is autophony. The patient manages to hear his own voice with one blocked ear. During the process of exudation, autophony passes, giving way to increased noise in the affected ear, and shooting pains periodically occur.

    It should be noted that most often acute serous otitis media occurs in a unilateral form. Bilateral disease is a fairly rare occurrence.

    Symptoms of the disease in children

    If acute serous otitis is detected in a child, the latter intensively scratches the ear, cries, eats, and the listed signs include vomiting and convulsions against a background of elevated (in children under 1 year of age - up to 40 0 ​​C) temperature.

    The disease at this stage lasts about 4 days, then catarrhal otitis in children, due to increased intoxication, is replaced by its purulent form. Sometimes this happens without significant signs, without causing discomfort to the child. Pathology is discovered randomly, often at a late stage of development.

    How to get rid of trouble

    The beginning of treatment involves bed rest and elimination of ear pain. Special drops or folk remedies (sterile oil, vodka, etc.) will help you cope with this. In addition to compresses, local heating with a blue lamp, a heating pad, and the use of physiotherapy is also required. Important: in the presence of high temperature, as well as during the purulent stage of otitis, these procedures can worsen the condition. If complications occur, urgent hospitalization is required.

    The most competent approach is to contact an otolaryngologist. The specialist will assess the condition of the ears, nasal cavity and oropharynx, lymph nodes, and listen to complaints. Based on the patient’s age and the information received, he will be given the following treatment regimen:

    1. Elimination of swelling in the area of ​​pathology using vasoconstrictor drops.
    2. Antihistamines may be used.
    3. Elimination of local pain and inflammation.
    4. Antibacterial drops (the flora of the ENT organs is preliminarily examined). If there is no effect from local therapy, take medications orally.

    Acute catarrhal otitis in adults when taking antibiotics goes away in 7-10 days; children under 2 years old will have to take the drugs for about 14 days. Read more about the factors influencing the recovery time for otitis media.

    Alternative options

    The positive effect of folk, “grandmother’s” recipes has not been scientifically confirmed. Their use is allowed only in conjunction with the main treatment regimen provided by a specialist. Pregnant and elderly people can use alternative methods, selected individually and under the supervision of a doctor. The use of herbal medicine, homeopathy and other methods for the treatment of catarrhal otitis media in any form in a child is strictly prohibited.

    Physiotherapy

    The essence of treatment is based on stabilizing the patient’s condition and eliminating the resulting pathology. This is facilitated by:

    • warming up with a blue lamp;
    • vibration massage of the tragus;
    • Sollux (infrared radiation);
    • laser therapy;
    • UHF;
    • Ural Federal District;
    • use of electrophoresis.

    This therapy and the number of sessions are regulated by an otolaryngologist. This treatment quite effectively stops the disease, the patient’s condition improves in the shortest possible time. It should be remembered that after the session you need to rest for half an hour. At the same time, it is necessary to minimize going outside, especially during the cold season.

    Treatment of pathology in a child

    In childhood, it is not possible to quickly get rid of acute catarrhal otitis media; it will take several weeks. Treatment of otitis in children includes a set of measures. In this case, a very infant child is put on a thin cap to prevent excessive hypothermia.

    You should not wash your hair during therapy.

    1. First of all, you will need to clear your nasal passages and normalize your breathing. To remove mucus, you can use an aspirator or a small rubber syringe.
    2. The doctor will prescribe antibiotics (orally or by injection).
    3. Special drops recommended by a specialist will help improve the patency of the auditory tube.

    Warming with vodka compresses or blue lamp light is allowed, but this therapy, like any other, must be carried out with the permission and under the supervision of a qualified physician.

    The purulent form of the disease involves treating the ear cavity with cotton wool soaked in alcohol. There is mud therapy, ultraviolet irradiation, and thermal physiotherapy. You can use ear drops, but they are contraindicated for children under one year of age.

    Preventive measures

    Treatment of catarrhal otitis is a rather troublesome task, which is easier to prevent. To prevent otitis media, it is necessary to use timely and effective therapy for the treatment of colds or acute respiratory viral infections, and not to neglect carious teeth. Frequent recurrent infections are best treated with antibiotics.

    After bathing, both adults and children need to thoroughly clean their ears of water. If a child is prone to otitis media, the swimming season should begin with ear cleaning by an otolaryngologist. After water procedures, it is better for children to instill antiseptic ear drops.

    It is important to teach the child to blow his nose correctly (with his mouth slightly open), otherwise the secreted secretion will go into the auditory tubes. Feeding a child with mother's milk develops the immunity necessary to resist the disease.

    In any case, parents monitor the child’s health, so it is important to understand the rules for caring for him yourself.

    Source: http://gaimorit-sl.ru/otit/kataralnyi-otit.html